Getting StartedLinkedIn and Your Job Search

What is LinkedIn?LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals.

LinkedIn Facts• LinkedIn has over 40 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the world. • A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of our members are outside the U.S. • Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members.

The purpose of the site is to allow registered users to maintain a list of contact details of people they know and trust in business. The people in the list are called Connections. Users can invite anyone (whether a site user or not) to become a connection.• This list of connections can then be used in a number of ways:• A contact network is built up consisting of their direct connections, the connections of each of their connections (termed second degree connections) and also the connections of second degree connections (termed third degree connections). This can be used to gain an introduction to someone you wish to know through a mutual, trusted contact. • It can then be used to find jobs, people and business opportunities recommended by someone in one's contact network. • Employers can list jobs and search for potential candidates. • Job seekers can review the profile of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contacts can introduce them.

What Can LinkedIn Do For MeWhen you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then form enduring connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals, experts and hiring managers.

Through your network you can: • Manage the information that’s publicly available about you as a professional • Find and be introduced to potential employers and subject experts who come recommended • Create and collaborate on projects, gather data, share files and solve problems • Be found for business opportunities and find potential partners • Gain new insights from discussions with likeminded professionals in private group settings • Discover inside connections that can help you land jobs and close deals • Apply to job listings posted by companies of all sizes and in all industries

Your ProfileLinkedIn is a breathing, living network, your profile should be written and structured as such!

Done right, your LinkedIn profile will promote your professional experience, expertise and accomplishments. Your audience needs to see a clear reason why they should contact you for their next job opportunity.

Edit My Profile – Basic Information• First Name – Use your full, professional name (No nicknames.)

• Last Name

• Former/Maiden Name – Adding this information is entirely up you.

• Display Name – Select your full name.

• Professional “Headline” – Add your most recent title.

• Country

• Zip Code – This will automatically default to “Greater Chicago Area”, however, use the zip code for home address.

• Industry – Select the industry in which the majority of your experience lies, and/or the industry in which you’d like to be employed.

Edit My Profile – SummarySummary• Professional Experience & Goals – Clearly state your professional experience, focusing on the experience most attractive to a potential employer. Remember, it’s not a resume (you’ll have time to upload this later), but let viewers know who you are and what you can do for their company.

• Specialties in Your Industries of Expertise – If you have specialized in your industry or have advanced certification in your field, state that here.

Edit My Profile – Add/Edit Position• Company Name – List previous employer name

o Feel free to copy and paste your previous employer’s company description from their Website.

o Your profile will automatically link to your previous employer’s company profile.

• Title – Add your current or previous title.

• Time Period – Be sure this is accurate.

• Description – This area needs to contain your previous and current experience.

o 3-5 bullets for each position or promotion is all that is necessary

o Share key points of information

Edit My Profile – Additional Information• Websites – If employed, change the drop-down to read “My Company” and add as your first listed site the URL to your company’s Website. If you’re unemployed, listed Websites could include a professional blog you update regularly, and/or the Website of your most recent employer.

• Interests – Add activities, hobbies, or other fun things to this section (keep it appropriate and professional).

o Do include a line about your career passion and goals.

• Groups and Associations – Add the names of groups and associations you are currently a member of to this area (keep it appropriate and professional).

• Honors and Awards – Add any career or education-related awards. For example: Producer of the Quarter, Graduated with Distinction, Customer Service Representative of the Month, etc.

Edit My Profile – Personal Information• Be sure your phone number and address is updated.

• Birthday/Birth year/Marital Status – Add this at your discretion. If you are not comfortable including this information, it’s perfectly okay to omit it.

Edit My Profile – Contact Settings• Type of messages you will accept – For best results in your job search, select “I’ll accept Introductions, InMail and OpenLink messages”.

• Opportunity Preferences – Be sure to select Career opportunities, as well as all other opportunities you’d like to receive.

• Advice to users – Unless you have a specific message potential employers must know, leave this blank.

LinkedIn Extra CreditHere are some additional ways to boost your credibility on LinkedIn:1. Spell Check2. Be explicit – connect with those you know3. Add a professional photo4. Update your status regularly with content that is relevant and useful to your connections5. Participate in the Q&A function6. Get recommendations – Previous Managers, Colleagues, Subordinates7. Get referrals8. Update your profile at least every three months